VF Corporation Launches New 1.2 Million Square Foot Distribution Facility

VF Corp., the No. 61 publicly owned consumer goods company, launched a new 1.2 million square foot facility in Ontario, CA. 

The new facility is the largest within its global network of 46 distribution centers and will employ about 550 people during peak operations, the company shared in a statement.

With a portfolio of brands, including Vans, The North Face, Timberland, and Dickies, modern automation capabilities, in partnership with Vanderlande Industries, will enable more efficient distribution practices for their retail stores, wholesale customers, and owned e-commerce orders.

With a 76-million-unit annual shipping capacity, the new facility will initially support Vans and The North Face to expand more VF brands in the future. With the ability to ship 485,000 units per day, twice the processing capabilities of what it said is a typical distribution center, the facility will provide customers in California, Nevada, Arizona, and southern Utah the ability to receive next-day shipping on orders.

“Servicing our consumers and customers is our number one focus, and this facility allows us to get our product to our consumer faster using technologically advanced equipment, which results in reduced lead times and increased efficiency in meeting consumer demands,” commented Cameron Bailey, EVP of global supply chain for VF Corp.

Sustainability Priorities

The facility was designed with sustainability at the forefront of the design process, with features and innovative systems integrated to help reduce overall energy consumption, including an estimated 56% in annual energy cost savings through energy-efficient lighting, controls, and submetering. Building materials for the facility comprised 48% recycled content, and 98% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.

The design and construction process was awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is on track to receive WELL Gold certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), which rates the building’s ability to enhance health and wellness.

Jon Watschke, VP of west coast distribution center transition, said the center was designed with employee health and well-being as a top priority, with the center providing EV chargers, indoor and outdoor restorative areas, and a state-of-the-art onsite fitness facility.

This article first appeared on the site of sister publication RIS News.